Tennis

The role-model effect in sports is a double-edged sword. It can inspire generations of athletes and create a thriving sporting culture, but it can also burden young athletes with unrealistic expectations. Qinwen Zheng, a rising star in tennis, has experienced both sides of this phenomenon.Inspired by her compatriot Li Na, the first Asian to win a Grand Slam singles title, Zheng has rapidly ascended the tennis rankings. She reached the Australian Open final in 2024 and won the WTA Finals in 2025. Her success has been attributed to her powerful serve, top-spin-heavy forehand, and relentless determination.Zheng's rise has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. She has defeated top players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, but she has also faced challenges in maintaining consistency and handling pressure. Despite these setbacks, Zheng remains optimistic about her future prospects."I have a lot of confidence in Qinwen," said her coach, Pere Riba. "She has the tools, the weapons, and every month is better."Zheng's success has come at a time when women's tennis is experiencing a period of transition. While Swiatek and Sabalenka dominate the rankings, a new generation of players, including Zheng, is emerging to challenge their supremacy.Zheng's journey serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of the role-model effect in sports. While it can inspire and motivate, it can also create unrealistic expectations and pressure. Zheng has navigated these challenges with resilience and determination, and she is poised to become one of the leading players in women's tennis.

Mental Toughness in Tennis: Mastering the Art of Clutch PerformanceIn the realm of competitive tennis, the ability to perform under pressure is paramount. As Billie Jean King famously stated, "Pressure is a privilege." However, harnessing the stress of a crucial match and rising to the occasion can be a daunting task for many players.Controlling EmotionsThe anxiety associated with closing out a tight match or relinquishing a comfortable lead can trigger mental turmoil. Players who succumb to these emotions often falter, sometimes in a rage-filled manner. Developing mental toughness requires controlling emotions and focusing on what can be controlled.Concentrating on the PresentDwelling on bad breaks or external factors can derail mental composure. Instead, players should prioritize performance and focus on executing each shot effectively. This proactive mindset fosters a positive frame of mind and enhances performance.Staying FocusedIn the heat of battle, negative thoughts can cloud judgment. To combat this, players should adopt a "shark-like" mentality, concentrating solely on tracking the ball, moving to the correct position, and executing the stroke. This keeps them present and focused on each point.Slowing Down the PaceWhen mental spirals occur, players tend to rush. This leads to impulsive shots and poor decision-making. To regain control, players should slow down the pace, take deep breaths, and adhere to their pre-serve and return routines. Changeovers provide valuable opportunities to reset and regain composure.Positive Self-TalkExpressing emotions during a close match is natural, but it's crucial to prevent them from escalating into self-sabotage. Positive self-talk can help players maintain a positive outlook. Instead of dwelling on missed shots, they should focus on the next opportunity.Simulating PressureMental strength is a learned skill. While it's challenging to replicate match anxiety in practice, creating scenarios that have hindered players in the past can provide valuable experience. By practicing under pressure, players can develop solutions and enhance their mental composure.

Carlos Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has revealed that his acting skills played a crucial role in his MVP-caliber performance at the Laver Cup. Alcaraz, making his Laver Cup debut, contributed eight points to Team Europe's 13-11 victory over Team World.Despite the pressure, Alcaraz displayed remarkable composure throughout the final day, particularly in his 6-2, 7-5 win over Taylor Fritz in the decisive match. When asked about the pressure, Alcaraz joked, "Where did you see tension today?"However, Alcaraz admitted to feeling nervous, saying, "I'm not gonna lie. After Sascha's match, he did a really good job. It was time for me to do my job." He added, "I had nerves, I was a little bit nervous. I try not to show Taylor that I'm nervous, but, you know, I think I played one of my best matches so far."Alcaraz's acting skills came into play as he concealed his nerves and maintained a calm demeanor on the court. "That means that I'm pretty good actor. Very good actor," he said. "I tried to be as match-calm as I can and hit it as good as I can."The Laver Cup provided Alcaraz with an ideal environment to regain his form after his surprising second-round exit at the US Open. The team atmosphere and support from his teammates helped him overcome his nerves and perform at his best."Comparing to other tournaments, I mean, it's a different feeling," Alcaraz said. "Obviously, having them supporting me behind me, so it's different. They try to just stay there and show me good energy all the time that makes me feel really comfortable on court and trying to pull out all the nerves and make good tennis."Alcaraz's Laver Cup triumph is a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. His acting skills, combined with his exceptional tennis talent, make him a formidable opponent on the court.